I used to think
What wouldn’t I give
For a moment like this?
This moment this gift!
Now look at me and this opportunity
Is standing right in front of me,
But one thing I know it’s only part luck, and so
I’m putting on my best show
Under the spotlight, I’m starting my life
Big dreams becoming real tonight
So look at me and this opportunity
You’re witnessing my moment, you see?
(Opportunity by Sia)
This song is the most accurate way I can put my year into words. What an opportunity! I cannot believe how my life has changed from one moment on June 17, 2017. My year has been blessed with so many experiences and people. I could never repay everyone for what they’ve done for me and to have represented our incredible state this past year.
Miss America was an amazing experience! One of the most common questions I get asked is if it was the most incredible experience in my life or if it was the best part of my year. While I loved absolutely every second of those two weeks in Atlantic City, I hope it’s not the most incredible experience of my life! This is not my end all. This is my launching pad and I know because of this experience, I am heading into a bright future full of opportunities and experiences. And if Miss America was the best part of my year, I didn’t work hard enough. Miss Utah is so much more than going to Miss America. The small moments spent on my knees talking face to face, eye to eye, with a young mind who is struggling is what this job was all about to me. I may not have done everything I thought I was going to do. Sometimes I even felt like I haven’t done enough, but it takes a big heart to shape little minds. And those little minds changed my life.
Miss Utah is lucky to have so many businesses who are willing, able, and ready to support an organization whose goal is to empower women. I have been spoiled rotten with people who help me with everything from fitness, hair, eyelashes, clothing, food, dresses, and makeup. Plus, I ALWAYS ride everywhere in style thanks to Murdock Hyundai of Lindon. Thank you all so much!
Many hours were also spent with selfless individuals who helped me create my year into exactly what Utah needed and exactly what I needed.
Lyle and Ciera, thank you so much for giving me hours of your summer working in studios, interviewing, and talking. I never ever could have done this without your love and support. I appreciate you more than you know.
Raychellene and Amy, thank you for always being there for me as a listening ear and for creating my amazing Show Us Your Shoes costume! I am forever grateful for my MUOT 2014 experiences, but mostly that they led me to you!
My Miss Panoramaland family, I love you all so much! Thank you for believing in me from the beginning. A special thank you to Miss Lorraine for always being willing to go on shopping trips with me and for being the cutest shoe collector/fashionista there ever was!
To Dana, aka my fairy godmother, thank you for always supporting my creative mind and making my dream wardrobe possible.
Every single crazy and too big item of clothing I found, you fixed with your magic and love.
To the Miss Utah Board, thank you for helping me in every aspect throughout my entire year. A special thank you to Jean, Leean, Carly, and Whitney. Jean, thank you for keeping me on track throughout my Miss America preparation and providing me with endless opportunities. Leean, no one could ever repay you for what you do for this program. Thank you for dedicating and volunteering your entire life to this organization for the past 25+ years. Carly, thank you for helping me be the most prepared contestant at Miss America. Our Miss Utahs would not be who they are without you. Whitney, thank you for helping guide my media and online presence. You have given me skills that have helped and will continue to help me in all of my professional endeavors.
To my teenies, Axuray and Addie. I love you both so much! When I was in your shoes four years ago, I knew I wanted to be that same kind of a mentor for someone someday. I never knew you would be just as much of a mentor to me as I would be to you. I love you both so much and I cannot wait to see all of the amazing things life has in store for such OUTSTANDING young women.
Tejan, I could never have been the person I am today without you in my life. Thank you for constantly reminding me of who I am and of my potential. Thank you for sticking by my side when things got crazy and for your patience.
To my family. I always joke that I’m the only reason you take family vacations, even though they’re without me (Orlando for MAOT and Atlantic City for MA). While I was never able to vacation with you, I could never ever repay you for the opportunities, blessings, and experiences you have given me by allowing and helping me be a part of such an incredible organization. Dad, you are the epitome of the perfect pageant dad. Thanks for telling me how to pick the winners and for teaching me how to shine from within. You are the most giving person I know and this job is all about giving. Mom, thank you for teaching me from the age of 3 to never give up. I learned from your example what dedication means and how to always give 100% even when you’re only halfway charged. Madi, you inspire me every day to be greater. I love how independent you are and I look up to you every single day. Dallin, thank you for always keeping things fun and showing everyone the proper way to model and walk in heels. Dalton, you are love and I love you more than this whole world. Thank you for teaching me how to love and how beautiful the world is.
To all of Utah, thank you for giving me this opportunity. We truly have the greatest state filled with even greater people.
To the next Miss Utah, remember who you are. You were crowned June 16, 2018, for a reason. You are ready for this ride and let me tell you, its the ride of a lifetime. I am here for you 100% and I’m already so proud of you! You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. And you can do this!
To each of the girls at the end of the night who feel like they have lost, open your perspective. I know how hard it can feel but you are never a loser when you win opportunities. This is one small piece of your life and if you win each opportunity you’re given, you are always winning.
What wouldn’t I give
For a moment like this?
This moment this gift!
You’re witnessing my moment, my big opportunity, and I am so happy to have shared this with all of you. I love you Utah!
JessiKate Riley, Miss Utah 2017
AHHH! Thank you, Jess, for your incredible example, your classy presence, and most importantly, your willingness to be where you are needed. And, especially, a /huge/ thank you for dancing with Gerry Ashworth at the Veterans Honor Ball. He’s still all smiles about that. <3